Speak Up for Adult Ed in NJ

Thousands of New Jersey adults needing basic reading skills, high school diplomas and English language skills are turned away from programs because of inadequate funding. In addition, businesses in New Jersey cannot find literate and trained individuals for their workplace needs.

It is vital for New Jersey’s economy and for our citizenry that we re-establish state funding for adult education to compensate for reductions in federal subsidies. 

In 2007 35,400 students were served through a robust network of adult education programs.  By 2017 that number had fallen to 16,702.

Providing the necessary state funds to enroll 18,700 more students at $1,000
per student would require a state appropriation of  $18,700,000.  This appropriation would provide invaluable and life changing opportunities for adults with limited skills. Equally important, it would open up employment opportunities for these individuals and for NJ businesses.

NJALL has developed several tools which you can use when asking your elected representatives to support adult education.  Here are several advocacy briefs you can share:

• NJ Adult Ed facts
• Help Eligible Immigrants Become Citizens
• Integrate High-skilled Immigrants

Here are sample letters that you can customize:

• Sample Educator letter
• Sample Student letter

Find your New Jersey State representatives through this interactive map.

For more information about NJALL's advocacy efforts, go to our youtube channel to listen to the March 22 webinar: Potential Changes in Federal 
Support for Adult Education: What They Mean for New Jersey, What they Mean for Advocacy

Look for more information soon about how we can advocate for State funding for adult education in New Jersey.